‘Electric Company’ Lyricist Elaine Laron Dies at 83

"The Electric Company" lyricist Elaine Laron, who also wrote for the landmark 1970s children’s project "Free to Be … You and Me," has died, according to The Hollywood Reporter. She was 83.

Laron’s recorded works also include the anti-Vietnam War song "Hell No, I Ain’t Gonna Go" and "The Loving Song" by Greek star Nana Mouskouri.

Laron collaborated with composers such as Stephen Schwartz of "Godspell" and Charles Strouse, who wrote the "All in the Family" opening theme, "Those Were the Days."

Her first television work came as the writer for the children’s series "Captain Kangaroo," which led to her being hired for the Emmy Award-winning "The Electric Company." She wrote more than 30 songs for the PBS show during its first season, which ran from 1971-72. Cast members including Bill Cosby and Morgan Freeman performed her songs on the show.

Laron was the sister of Marilyn Funt, who was married to and later divorced Allen Funt, the creator of the hidden camera series "Candid Camera."